Pages

Week 4- Vintage and Retro Inspired

I can't believe we're down to five! This has been such fun for me, and I hope for you all as well! Have fun voting! Poll closes Monday at midnight as usual.

1- Lindsay's 1940's Fun in the Sun Playsuit

This was my favorite challenge so far! I just love vintage/retro fashion and it is one of my favorite silhouettes on a little girl. My first instinct was to do a super-girly dress, but I decided against that since I've made a ton of those before and I am trying to use this competition to challenge myself. I finally decided to make a three-piece, vintage-inspired outfit, but used a bold fabric to make it a bit more modern.

This outfit consists of a smock dress, a knicker bloomer and a fitted bonnet. I added a lot of details to this outfit to make it extra special. The bonnet has ric-rac detail around the front and the fabric tie is threaded through two button holes on each side (four total). I wanted to make sure the bonnet was fitted and it actually fits more like a little hat. The pockets are trimmed with red gingham ribbon, yellow ric-rac and contrasting blue and yellow fabric. The peter-pan collar has custom corded piping and the smock dress closes down the front with four fabric covered buttons.

Finally, I knew I wanted to do an outfit with puff sleeves and a peter pan collar - does it get more 1940 - 1950's than that? The outfit is completed with a pair of white bobby socks and patent leather mary janes.

2- Kirstin and Jordan's Vintage Vail

If we had an Official Family Sport, it'd be skiing, hands down. That fact, paired with my determination to enter something for boys this week, made my sewing choice for vintage/retro week easy.

And, I have to tell you, I love seeing Burke all decked out in his retro ski vest and vintage-y pom pom ski hat. The camel-colored corduroy, the pearl snaps, and of course, the striped insets, all give this look such a fabulous vintage vibe. Top it off with a gigantic pom pom and the Vintage Vail look is complete!

If cuteness-in-retro-ski-gear has any correlation with aptitude for the sport (which is very likely, right?), Burke will be tearing up the double black diamonds before he turns three.

3- Ashley's Annie Hall Look
For this week's vintage/retro inspired-style I chose the classic "Annie Hall" look that Dianne Keaton made so popular in the 70's: menswear for women. Boo is a "daddy's girl" so this has by far been her favorite outfit in the competition. I took a men's dress shirt, cut it apart, and re-tailored the pieces to fit a toddler using a dress form. I reused the collar, cuffs and buttons and made the shirt a slim fit with an extra long shirt tails to fit nicely into the pants.

The pants are fitted with an extra high waist and flair out to a wide leg. Instead of using an itchy wool suiting, I made the pants from poly/spandex pin-striped fabric reclaimed from an adult skirt.....they are soft, comfortable, and machine washable. An adult sized tie can easily be cut down to a child size for a girl or boy. I love ties on girls:

Styled with a men's style fedora, sneakers, tousled "bed" hair and a little extra confidence......I think Annie Hall would approve of Boo's "tomboy" urban style! You can visit us over at Lil Blue Boo to see more photos from our "Annie Hall" shoot!

4- Kelly's Retro Rompers and Ponchos

While I adore retro styles I always want to make sure that they are very wearable and steer clear of the "costume" effect. I have been wanting to make a retro romper for Evie for a long time and thought this would be a perfect opportunity!

These cute retro rompers have a halter tie, an elastic back and waist and gathered knicker bottoms. They are super comfy (I even thought about making myself one to lounge about in!)

I made little tie belts in a solid color and fabric clip on flowers for a punch of color and fun little headkerchiefs. When I found all the different colors of gingham I just HAD to make one for each of Evie's little girlfriends.

When researching retro clothes I found THIS article that talked about princess lined coats. I knew it would start raining (as it does every afternoon here) and it would be nice to have something the girls could slip on to stay dry. I didn't have enough time to make full blown coats, but poncho's were a big hit back when so I ran with it and lined them with their matching gingham. (Evie positively refused to wear hers ha!)

Come on over to SINML for the pattern, tutorial and to enter in the giveaway to win the collection!

5- Katy's Divine Grace

"My darling, simply elegant . . . you are ever, Graceful"

"Blossoming, beautiful, . . . you are Divine"

Divine is wearing a Grace Kelly inspired gown, infused with youth. Spring green checked dupioni silk on the bias for the waistband and "stems". Fire treated blooms, baby piping around the petal-esque 3/4 sleeves, and the boat neckline, for a modest, but retro look. No big dill inscribed on the back, for whimsy. Check out no big dill for more pics.

Wow. These are all fantastic. Seriously. My favorite week yet by far. I was totally stressed out just now figuring out who to vote for. Awesome awesome stuff. I can't wait for tutorials on all of these because my girls will have one of each.

These are all so beautiful! I love them all. I've only just started my sewing hobby, and WOW I have such an appreciation for all the hard work and genius that went into these designs! Good work everyone!